Case Number:

ON/519/21

Dan Toal #15, Barrow

Competition:

League 1

Match:

West Wales v Barrow

Match Date:

2021-06-05

Incident:

Punching in the 67th minute

Decision:

Charge

Charge Detail:

Law 15.1 (a)
Strikes – Punching - Punching – sustained, repeated or violent
Grade D

Fine:

£75

Sanctions:

3-5

Decision On Charge

Player plea:

Guilty

Summary of CM's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Following a Match Review Panel meeting held on 10th June 2021, you are charged with misconduct for a breach of Law 15.1(a) during the above Match.

The Panel reviewed an incident which occurred in approximately the 67th minute of the above Match. You were sin binned following the incident. In the Panel’s opinion you threw a number of punches in a sustained and violent manner. The Panel believed that your actions were unnecessary and had the potential to cause your opponent serious injury.

In accordance with the RFL’s On Field Sentencing Guidelines, the Panel consider that such offence is a Grade D offence - Strikes – Punching - Punching – sustained, repeated or violent. The normal suspension range for such offence is from 3 to 5 matches.

Summary of Player's submissions on the Charge / evidence:

Player not able to attend but sent in written submissions via club.

In the letter explained his version of events. He admits being involved in the tackle and that the opponent deliberately stood on his hand and then boasted about it. He admitted he then reacted and punched the opponent.

He expressed his regret at his actions and said he would like to apologise. His actions were not premediated, and he did not really have any time to think. He added the opponent did not suffer any serious injury.

He added that he would be trying to reassure the tribunal that this kind of incident will not occur again. He hoped that the provocation would result in the tribunal imposing a suspension at the lower end of the grade range.

Decision:

Guilty plea

Decision On Sanction (where found to have committed Misconduct)

Summary of CM's submissions on the appropriate sanction:

• MRP reviewed an incident which took place in approx. 68th minute
• Mr Toal was sin binned following the incident
• Player immediately reacts to his hand being stood on and lunges at the opponent
• Player then throws the first punch with force and lands another before the opponent reacts
• Mr Toal then throws 2 more punches before he is restrained
• The MRP submit that at least 3 of these connect with the head area of the opponent
• A melee then forms and Mr Toal’s teammate is then struck by an opponent
• Mr Toal reacts to this by throwing another punch towards the head are of his opponent
• Violent act towards an opponent
• Potential for injury to the opponent
• Acts of this nature bring the game into disrepute
• Grade D due to:
- Sustained and violent nature of the punches
- Violent act against an opponent who had not committed the foul play against the player. Cannot be classed as retaliation
- Potential for injury

Aggravating Factors:

04/04/19 – Punching – sustained, repeated or violent (Grade C2 Matches)

31/03/19 – Dismissal (Punching) for above offence

27/06/19 – Tripping (Caution)

Reasons for Decision:

The Tribunal have listened to the submissions made, read the letter from the player and watched the footage on the incident.

They are in agreement that the grading at Grade D is indeed correct. Whilst they acknowledge the players plea of guilt they are of the opinion that the player threw at least three punches using a great amount of force. They also note that following the initial coming together he threw another punch as another melee broke out following the original incident. This was completely unnecessary.

They note the player has a previous charge for punching. They therefore feel that the suspension should be at the top of the grading. The player will therefore be suspended for 5 matches and fined £75.

Suspension:

5 matches